City and Township create
Joint Task Force
July 20, 2004

In a meeting between the Cold Spring City Council, the Wakefield Town Board, and their respective planning commissions, it was unanimously agreed to create a Joint Task Force made up of representatives of each group. The Joint Task Force will meet in the coming weeks and months to discuss common issues and to look at ways the two governing bodies can better cooperate in the future.

The meeting, held Wednesday, July 14th, was jointly organized by both groups. It was partially inspired by the recent efforts of the Cold Spring 20/20 Vision Team and the work they've done in developing a common vision for the future of Cold Spring. The City and Township each have members of their respective groups who have been key leaders and participants in the 20/20 Vision Team effort.

A wide variety of topics were discussed during the evening. One key issue that surfaced centered around the flow of traffic through and around Cold Spring. Of particular concern was the "Y" where County Roads 50 and 2 intersect just south of Rocori High School and the present and future safety hazard this creates as more and more traffic uses these roads.

During a recent Minnesota Design Team visit organized by the Cold Spring 20/20 Vision Team, one of the recommendations made was to look at ways of creating a "Ring Route""Ring Route" around the north end of the city that would relieve the congestion caused by the County Roads 50 and 2 "Y" intersection. More information about the Mn Design Team recommendations are available at the 20/20 Vision Team website www.2020coldspring.com.

A number of options for the "Ring Route" were discussed on Wednesday. It was recommended that the Task Force invite county government representatives to be a part of a future meeting with the group. Task Force member selection and their first official meeting is expected to take place sometime during the next 30 days.